2008 Woodie Awards
Mental health services in demand at US colleges
David C. Bowen / Director of Counseling
Issue date: 1/29/07 Section: Features
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In a 2001 National Survey of Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD), eighty-five percent of the directors reported an increase in the number of students seeking help and the complexity of student problems. This increase in demand has been verified by further studies. Benton et al (2003) found greater incidence of distress, anxiety, depression, suicidiality, and sexual assault in their study of thirteen years at one university. The 2003 AUCCCD survey reflected the increase in demand and found that roughly ten percent of all students utilized counseling centers while in college.
Why the increase? There are many reasons, but as Kadison and DiGeronimo in their recent book, College of the Overwelmed state: "No one will argue that the problems facing today's college students are not enormous. The statistics, the news headlines, counseling center directors and the students themselves make it very clear that there is a crisis on our campuses. Depression, sleep disorders, eating disorders, impulsive behaviors (including sexual promiscuity and self-mutilation) and even suicide are no longer rare anomalies. They are part of college life."
In addition to an increasing evolution of complexity and competitiveness in the world at large, the Millennium Generation, with their high expectations, places a great deal of pressure on themselves. For them, there has been an emphasis on performance and achievement with little experience with failure, difficulty in being perceived as average and a high level of individual attention, and a more sheltered and supportive home and school environment.
There appears to be four main reasons for increased use of mental health services. The first reason is related to developments in the mental health field. Due to some of these developments there is more openness through the media and public to obtaining help, reduced stigma in reaching out for assistance, more and better service options, including medications, and availability of services. The second area is related to personal coping skills. Students are feeling more stress, isolation, lack of relationship skills, and an inability to express anger. More females than males appear to be open to reaching out for counseling assistance. The third reason relates to family issues with parental expectations, concern and involvement all increased. Lastly, there are environmental issues. The world and the demands surrounding each student are more stressful.
In the next week's issue, we will look at mental health service demand here at Clarkson. Has there been an increase in demand for mental health services as students explore the three basic questions? Who am I? Who will I be with? What am I going to do?
Why the increase? There are many reasons, but as Kadison and DiGeronimo in their recent book, College of the Overwelmed state: "No one will argue that the problems facing today's college students are not enormous. The statistics, the news headlines, counseling center directors and the students themselves make it very clear that there is a crisis on our campuses. Depression, sleep disorders, eating disorders, impulsive behaviors (including sexual promiscuity and self-mutilation) and even suicide are no longer rare anomalies. They are part of college life."
In addition to an increasing evolution of complexity and competitiveness in the world at large, the Millennium Generation, with their high expectations, places a great deal of pressure on themselves. For them, there has been an emphasis on performance and achievement with little experience with failure, difficulty in being perceived as average and a high level of individual attention, and a more sheltered and supportive home and school environment.
There appears to be four main reasons for increased use of mental health services. The first reason is related to developments in the mental health field. Due to some of these developments there is more openness through the media and public to obtaining help, reduced stigma in reaching out for assistance, more and better service options, including medications, and availability of services. The second area is related to personal coping skills. Students are feeling more stress, isolation, lack of relationship skills, and an inability to express anger. More females than males appear to be open to reaching out for counseling assistance. The third reason relates to family issues with parental expectations, concern and involvement all increased. Lastly, there are environmental issues. The world and the demands surrounding each student are more stressful.
In the next week's issue, we will look at mental health service demand here at Clarkson. Has there been an increase in demand for mental health services as students explore the three basic questions? Who am I? Who will I be with? What am I going to do?
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